The Beta Chi Chapter was originally founded on September 23, 1950 and was active until 1962, when the University's marching band program shut down after a decade of hardships. Without a marching band to serve, the chapter was unable to meet its goals and was disbanded. Over 40 years later, Carl and Hunter Smith donated enough money to establish the Cavalier Marching Band at UVA. With new instruments, uniforms, and spirit, the new marching band took to the field for its premier performance September 11th, 2004.
The Beta Chi Chapter was re-founded on April 23, 2005 with the help of our Big Brother Chapter, Eta Omicron of JMU. Today, Beta Chi provides support to the Cavalier Marching Band and other ensembles in the Charlottesville community. As the oldest active chapter in the Southern Precinct, Beta Chi has welcomed over 250 well-qualified musicians into the Brotherhood of Kappa Kappa Psi.